Managing tinnitus is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to provide you with accurate information, personalized care, and support every step of the way.
Many people refer to tinnitus as “phantom noise” because the noise can range in pitch from a loud shriek to a low roar. Tinnitus sounds can sometimes get so loud that they get in the way of daily life.
Tinnitus might theoretically be very changeable; it may appear intermittently or continuously. An audiologist must first figure out what kind of tinnitus it is and how bad it is before making a plan for how to treat it.
Understanding & Diagnosing Tinnitus
In the primary tinnitus evaluation, patients will be asked whether the noises are intermittent or constant. Audiologists can perform specific examinations to record tinnitus.
An audiologist may discuss your medical history, lifestyle choices, and medication use in addition to these tests.
Doctors will make the diagnosis of tinnitus based solely on your symptoms. However, in addition to treating your symptoms, we will work to determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus.
Tinnitus can be very challenging to diagnose. Sometimes, a cause can’t be pinpointed.
Common tinnitus tests may include:
Hearing test
You’ll be in a soundproof room for the test while sporting headphones that send particular sounds into one ear at a time. Your responses to the sounds sent through the headphones will be compared to those deemed normal for your age. A hearing test can help in locating potential tinnitus causes.
When hearing loss is diagnosed along with tinnitus, hearing aids with tinnitus features or sound maskers may be recommended
Imaging exams
To learn more about your tinnitus symptoms, you could be sent for imaging tests like CT or MRI scans.
Blood tests
You may be required to undergo some lab tests to check for thyroid issues, anemia, heart disease, or vitamin deficiencies.
What increases your vulnerability to tinnitus?
Noise exposure is the most frequent risk factor for tinnitus. Fortunately, this issue can be avoided by using hearing protection.
A variety of factors make age a risk factor for tinnitus as well. More medications are required as people get older, which may expose them to substances that cause tinnitus.
Men are more likely than women to develop tinnitus, mostly as a result of their lifestyle and exposure to noise (factories and industrial facilities, hobbies like shooting and hunting).
When should you see an audiologist?
A common mistake that people with tinnitus make is shrugging off the symptoms until they get severe. Take it from us: the best time to see an audiologist is when you first experience one or a couple of tinnitus symptoms.
It’s not wise to let tinnitus drag on for some time because, in the process, you may already be experiencing anxiety, emotional anxiety, or depression, which are not uncommon with this condition.
Coping with tinnitus
When tinnitus is diagnosed, some patients may experience sadness, disheartenment, or discouragement. It’s not the end of the world, though.
The right perspective and attitude will help you live and cope with tinnitus. The more you worry about tinnitus, the more likely your symptoms will worsen. Working with a reliable audiologist or tinnitus specialist will boost your confidence as well.
There are several physical and online support groups available. You can keep up with new research or treatments by learning more about the issue.
For the most recent information on tinnitus-related news and developments, you can visit the official page of the American Tinnitus Foundation.
Tinnitus Diagnosis and Treatment in Fort Wayne, IN
Hearing and living better starts with a diagnostic hearing test to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of your auditory health.
For your tinnitus concerns and other hearing issues, HearCare Audiology can help. We offer tinnitus testing and management to help you rise above tinnitus and live your best life!
Our team is here to partner with you in your journey towards better hearing health. We will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan, referring you to specialists if necessary, and provide ongoing support and service to help you manage tinnitus and your hearing.
Contact us today to book a consultation with our expert audiologists in Fort Wayne, IN.